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Travel Trends
February 2003
by Tracey McFie
Breathtakingly beautiful is the only way to describe it. Treetops Cabins on the Lake in Montville is simply the most beautiful place I've ever stayed. Built into the middle of a rainforest and set on the shores of a lake, the six cabins - all individually themed - take you to a place where dreams are made.
Nestled on 45 acres in the Sunshine Coasts hinterland, Treetops Cabins on the Lake promotes itself as the "perfect romantic escape for couples". After experiencing it, I can tell you it's that and much more.
The short walk to the cabin (better still, treehouse) from the carpark was just as awesome as the cabin itself. A huge network of elevated timber walkways led the way through a rainforest canopy to our cabin of choice.
Each "treehouse" is different. Built by George Johnston and decorated lovingly by his wife, Aldy, the cabins (a definite understatement) are romance personified. Beautifully carved furniture, delicately forged ironwork, handmade pottery, leadlight windows and other finishing touches handcrafted by local artists - all blend perfectly with the "mod cons" of the fully self-contained kitchen, DVD player, television, CD player, barbecue, comfy lounge suites, and reverse-cycle air-conditioning. But, it's the double spa that deserves the most attention. Set into the middle of the main room, it overlooks Lake Baroon and is the perfect place to surround yourself in a sea of bubbles while sipping champagne and watching the sun set over the majestic hinterland.
The cabins have been christened - bush style. Each one has been named after an Australian native animal or a bush icon and George and Aldy have carried this theme throughout. There's Two Frogs, The Bower, Water Lillies, Lizard's Lair, Wait Awhile and Possums. And at the end of winter there will be three more cabins added to the growing stable - Dragonfly, Platypus and the last one...well, its a secret and one to be discovered at a later date. But, once again the name of each cabin will be intertwined into the decor. Just when you think it couldn't get much better, breakfast came complete with a host of gourmet suprises and homemade delicacies. A walk though the close-by national park was the antidote for a morning spent eating (and eating) and reading the newspapers. But if its more food you want, there was enough goodies in the basket for morning and afternoon tea and Aldy prepared a sumptuous barbecue pack for the evening that we cooked on the deck while taking in the incredible vista.
The cabins are serviced daily and there is a games room with a full-size billiard table, books to read, DVDs to watch and CDs to listen to in the privacy of your own abode. If you're feeling a little energetic (or want to work off the delectable food), there are canoes, rainforest walks and fishing equipment on site. The bass were still biting on our weekend away.
For more information, contact George or Aldy on (07) 5478 5888 or check out the website at www.secretsonthelake.com.au . You can also email them on aldy@treetop.com.au.
But, be warned... a couple of George and Aldy's neighbours have properties with similar names, so be careful not to muddle Treetops Cabins on the Lake with another venue. After all, if you want to experience what we experienced, you have to visit the only place that truly took my breath away...Treetops Cabins on the Lake.
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